Imphal: Seven Meitei women, following a 20-kilometer cycle rally, shaved their heads in a symbolic gesture at the Kangla Fort in Imphal on Friday, the day that marks a year since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur.
This act, part of a campaign for normalcy and peaceful coexistence, underscores their desire for unity amongst all communities. Their call for territorial integrity comes amidst a separate development.
Their placards, reading “Save Manipur” and “Keep territorial integrity of Manipur intact,” emphasized their commitment to a unified state.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki tribes, submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister. The memo urges a permanent political solution for the Kuki-Zo people, as proposed by the Kuki-Zo Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, and the establishment of a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community. The memorandum views this as the best solution to the ongoing ethnic conflict.
The Koujengleima Youth Development Organization organized the cycle rally, featuring seven Meitei women who shaved their heads upon completion. Placards carried by the participants proclaimed “Save Manipur” and “Keep Territorial Integrity of Manipur Intact.” The rally served as a reminder of the violence that began on May 3, 2023, in Churachandpur district. It displaced over 4,000 Meiteis residing there and destroyed more than 3,000 houses belonging to the community, according to reports.
While the anniversary brings back memories of the conflict, the actions by both groups highlight a yearning for peace. Moving forward, efforts to address underlying grievances and promote peaceful coexistence will be crucial for Manipur.